Description
A crisp and refreshing Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad featuring a vibrant mix of greens, sweet apples, tangy feta cheese, dried cranberries, and crunchy nuts, all tossed in a zesty honey-lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for a light and nutritious lunch in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups Mixed Greens (blend of spring mix or spinach)
- 2 medium Honeycrisp Apples (cored and diced)
- 1 cup Feta Cheese (crumbled)
- 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries (can substitute with raisins)
- 1/2 cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional, toasted enhances flavor)
- 1/4 medium Red Onion (sliced, soak in cold water if preferred)
Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil (high-quality extra virgin recommended)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (maple syrup can be a vegan alternative)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard (omit if preferred)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather all ingredients, wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly, core and dice the Honeycrisp apples, crumble the feta cheese, chop the nuts if using, and slice the red onion. To reduce onion sharpness, soak the slices in cold water if desired.
- Whisk the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the vinaigrette becomes smooth and well emulsified.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Ensure all salad components are ready: mixed greens are clean and dry, apples are diced, feta is crumbled, nuts chopped and toasted if preferred, and red onion sliced and drained.
- Combine the Salad: In a large salad bowl, gently toss together the mixed greens, diced apples, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, and red onion slices to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the tossed salad. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, gently toss again to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing without bruising the greens.
- Serve with Joy: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest texture and best flavor experience. It makes a perfect light lunch or refreshing side dish.
Notes
- Soaking red onion in cold water for 10 minutes mellows its sharp flavor.
- To toast nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.
- Maple syrup is a great vegan alternative to honey in the vinaigrette.
- For extra crunch, add crisp bacon or roasted chickpeas.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best vinaigrette flavor.
